Peppermint Martini with Mocha Cream

During the holiday season, the biggest thing is hosting and entertaining — and making sure your guests feel like every detail was thought through, right down to a pan of spinach and ricotta stuffed shells. That means introducing classics, leaning into seasonal flavors like my fall mini cheesecake board, and having at least one signature cocktail that makes the whole gathering feel intentional. This Peppermint Martini is exactly that drink, and my Peach Fuzz martini does the same job in spring. In particular, it is cool, festive, and sophisticated enough to anchor any holiday table — and simple enough that you can make it for a crowd without breaking a sweat.

What makes this version truly special is the secret ingredient: Jackson Morgan Peppermint Mocha Southern Cream. Jackson Morgan is a family business that has been around for generations, and the product just keeps getting better. I use their flavors year-round — their pumpkin cream throughout the fall, alongside pumpkin hot chocolate and brown butter sage pumpkin ravioli — but the peppermint mocha is what I reach for every single December without fail, usually next to a full hot chocolate bar. What’s more, one bottle does the work of multiple ingredients, creating a rich, velvety cocktail with hints of peppermint and chocolate that tastes far more complicated than it actually is. In essence, it’s effortless hosting in a bottle.

Moreover, this recipe is completely fail-proof. No matter where you are as a mixologist — Moreover, this recipe is completely fail-proof. No matter where you are as a mixologist — whether you’ve been shaking cocktails for years or you’re picking up a shaker for the very first time — you can execute this perfectly, and my five cocktails you need to make right now are just as forgiving. The peppermint candy cane rim adds a beautiful, festive presentation that looks like it took effort. The flavor profile has you covered. And the best part? It works at holiday dinner parties, Mahjong night, book club, and girls’ gatherings — serve it with a pear and gorgonzola salad with candied pecans to start, or borrow ideas from our supper club with Kevin Gillespie at Nadair. If you serve it alongside a slice of pound cake, it doubles as dessert.

When I Love Serving Peppermint Martini

Holiday Dinner Parties as the Signature Cocktail

This is the drink I set out when I want the cocktail to make a statement before dinner even begins. Moreover, it photographs beautifully, it sparks conversation, and it tells your guests immediately that the evening was planned with intention. Serve it in a coupe glass with a candy cane rim and watch the room react.

Mahjong Night or Girls’ Gatherings

When the girls are coming over and I want something festive on the table without a lot of prep, this is the move. Above all, it is sophisticated enough to feel special and easy enough to batch in a pitcher, and the kind of drink that makes a casual evening feel like a celebration.

Book Club During the Holiday Season

When it’s your turn to host in December, this is the cocktail that earns the compliments. To do so, rim the glasses in advance, batch the mixture in a pitcher, and let Jackson Morgan do the rest. It keeps the atmosphere festive without requiring you to spend the evening behind a bar.

Dessert at a Dinner Party

Serve this alongside a slice of pound cake and it becomes the dessert course — no additional effort required. In particular, the peppermint mocha cream brings enough richness and sweetness to hold its own as the final note of the evening. It’s an elegant finish that feels indulgent without being over the top.

Cozy Evenings at Home

Not every occasion is a party. Sometimes December just calls for something cold, festive, and beautifully made — even if it’s just for you. This takes five minutes to shake and feels like a genuine treat every single time.

Festive Tree-Trimming Parties

When you’ve got friends over to hang ornaments and unspool the lights, this is the perfect drink to pass around. It keeps the energy upbeat and cheerful, giving everyone a sweet, minty reward while they tackle the high branches. Plus, it looks incredibly festive resting on a side table next to boxes of vintage holiday decor.

Ingredients

Jackson Morgan Peppermint Mocha Southern Cream (The Base)
This is the rich, velvety foundation of the cocktail. It brings a smooth creaminess layered with chocolate and mint.

Vanilla Vodka
Meanwhile, this adds a clean, high-proof punch while infusing a warm, sweet vanilla aroma that rounds out the rich liqueurs.

Peppermint Schnapps
Intensifies the crisp, refreshing mint flavor, ensuring the distinct peppermint profile cuts through the heavy cream base.

Ice
Ice chills the ingredients rapidly. It also adds just enough dilution to blend the bold flavors as you shake.

Corn Syrup or Simple Syrup
This acts as the glue. It stays tacky long enough to anchor the garnishes to the rim.

Crushed Peppermint Candy Canes
Finally, these add a bright splash of holiday color and a crunchy texture with every sip.

Garnishes (Optional)
These finishing touches—whether a festive candy cane perched on the rim or a snowy dusting of chocolate curls—add a beautiful, elegant contrast that elevates the drink’s upscale holiday aesthetic.

How To Make Peppermint Martini

Quick Step by Step on Video

Variations

Stronger coffee flavor
For a stronger coffee flavor, add more instant coffee granules or even a shot of espresso to your cream. Likewise, if you love peppermint, feel free to increase the amount of peppermint syrup or extract for an extra minty kick.

Mocktail
Enjoy the flavor without the alcohol. Simply omit the vodka, schnapps, and coffee liqueur, and substitute the cream with a non-alcoholic version of the peppermint mocha cream. You’ll still have a festive and delicious drink!

With garnishes
Similarly, for added flair you can rim the glass with chocolate shavings or drizzle the inside of the glass with melted chocolate. It’s all about creating that indulgent, holiday feel.

What to Serve With Peppermint Martini

Drink Pairing
For a fun “drink with a drink” presentation, serve this cocktail alongside a hot espresso shot or a cup of bold, black roast coffee. The bitter intensity of the fresh coffee beautifully offsets the sweet, minty mocha flavors, making it a spectacular choice for a late-night pick-me-up.

Cheese board
Balance the sweet, velvety notes of the martini by pairing it with sharp cheeses like aged white cheddar, creamy blue cheese, and tangy goat cheese. Add salty prosciutto, roasted nuts, and artisanal crackers. The sweet-and-savory contrast cuts through the rich cream base.

Dessert Spread
This indulgent cocktail serves as the ultimate companion to classic holiday sweets, especially desserts featuring dark chocolate, vanilla bean, or warm spices. Serve it alongside gingerbread cookies, dark chocolate truffles, or a slice of buttery pound cake. It elevates the final course of the evening.

Holiday appetizer
Pair this sweet and creamy cocktail with salty, savory finger foods like baked brie bites, warm pretzel bites, or bacon-wrapped dates. The rich mocha and mint flavors act as a delicious contrast to the salty, smoky appetizers, balancing out your party spread perfectly.

Peppermint Martini Storage

Separate
To begin with, keep the cocktail components separate and store any leftover homemade peppermint mocha cream in an airtight container for up to one week. The mixed, un-shaken alcohol base can be kept indefinitely at room temperature.

Refrigerate
Store the homemade cream base in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent spoiling. For an extra-cold cocktail, you can also chill your vodka and schnapps in the fridge before mixing.

Freeze
Meanwhile, store your vanilla vodka in the freezer to ensure it stays ice-cold for shaking.

Keep Fresh
If the cream base thickens in the fridge, let it sit on the counter for a few minutes. A vigorous shake also restores its smooth consistency before measuring.

Peppermint Martini FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can batch the vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, and peppermint mocha cream together in a pitcher ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When guests arrive, just pour the mixture into a shaker with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into your garnished glasses.

What can I use instead of Jackson Morgan Peppermint Mocha Cream?
Alternatively, you can easily make a quick homemade version by heating heavy cream with cocoa powder, instant coffee, and peppermint syrup.

How do I get the crushed candy canes to stick to the rim perfectly?
Dip the rim of your martini glass into a thin layer of corn syrup or simple syrup first.

Can I make this drink dairy-free?
Yes — You can substitute the heavy cream in the homemade recipe with a full-fat canned coconut milk or a barista-blend oat milk.

KEEP HOSTING

More festive favorites to keep the celebration going — three holiday-worthy ideas.

COCKTAIL

The Perfect Christmas Cocktail

A festive, crowd-pleasing cocktail made for Christmas gatherings.

Pour a Glass →

COCKTAIL

The Perfect Gingerbread Martini

Warm gingerbread spice shaken into a cozy holiday martini.

Pour a Glass →

COCKTAIL

mü Peppermint Frappuccino

A minty peppermint frappuccino for a festive, frosty treat.

Pour a Glass →

Final Thoughts

The best holiday hosting moments come from small decisions made with intention — and a signature cocktail is always one of them. This Peppermint Martini with Jackson Morgan Southern Cream is proof that you don’t need a complicated recipe to create something memorable. One exceptional ingredient, a candy cane rim, and five minutes is all it takes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a Mahjong night, or a cozy evening by the fire, this is the cocktail that makes the season feel a little more special — and keeps your guests asking for one more glass.

If you try these, I’d love to know—would you keep them classic, or experiment with your own variations?

SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!